Category : Style

Stripping back to basic staples to create a minimalist wardrobe is always my ultimate style goal – an array of simple pieces of the highest quality that work for every occasion and every day. But in reality sometimes the line between classic staples and trend pieces becomes blurred and before you know it you’ve been sucked in to the latest trend which, let’s face it can add a bit of personality but can leave you a little empty after a while. Discovering a brand like Eileen Fisher you are reminded of just how beautiful the true classics are.

On Friday I had the opportunity of looking round the Eileen Fisher Autumn Winter 15 collection as part of London Fashion Week – prepare to fall in love with the basics. Minimalist shapes made of the most luxurious fabrics had me cooing and stroking at every turn. A muted colour palette layered with sumptuous textures to complete the ultimate in effortless style.

After the tour, afternoon tea was served and I was lucky enough to leave with an Eileen Fisher perfect white tee – in 100% silk. My absolute favourite spring staple.

If I’m ever unsure what look to go for I think you can always rely on a soft white tee with denim for a timeless, classic look. I’ve styled it here with a classic black jacket {mine’s really old from Massimo Dutti}, Nobody high waist skinnies, Nike Internationalist trainers and statement necklace from Hero.

Last week I could resist no longer the Jemima Vine red slipper loafers. They’d been staring at me in the shop for a couple of weeks and so I went for it. I was going to go safe with the python (which are equally as beautiful) but went for the less safe option of the red and have not looked back. I’ve worn them with my coated jeans and a chunky knit to add a pop of colour and been completely surprised with how much I can wear them with. Today I’m wearing them a tartan shirt and skinny jeans.

I’ve worn them here with my Nobody high waisted skinnies and tweed coat.

Same goes for my new embellished denim shirt. I’d had my eyes on the one from J.Crew last year but didn’t want to commit to the £££ price tag. Then I saw this earlier in the week from H&M and it was perfect and the ultimate bargain at £29.99.

More Christmas work at Hero this week with a video coming up of our favourite picks of Hero goodies. Have a great weekend!

The first proper Winter’s day had me a little (very) excited yesterday. Bright blue skies and icy, frosty windows (our boiler has broken!) had me routing around for all my favourite winter wardrobe items and I managed to pull them all together in one outfit. Layering is always my favourite way to stay warm as I just can’t bear feeling the slightest chill.

So last year it was all about the pink coat and it looks like it’s not going anywhere. Pink coats are here to stay. So in the last of this week’s Winter coat collaboration with Shop Formula here is the Dree Bouclé Belted Coat in Maple sugar by Won Hundred.

I couldn’t wait to get this one on. A lovely sugary, pastel pink it will lift your spirits on any Winter’s day.

Again, Shop Formula have styled in a more formal way which works brilliantly for the office or even a Winter wedding. Making another really versatile coat.

All of the coats that have been featured this week are available to buy online from Shop Formula – take a moment to check out the rest of their collections too. It’ll definitely be one to add to the favourites bar.

I was completely cocooned in the softest wool-blend fabric that, like the green coat from Monday, I didn’t want to take off.

If I’m being completely honest, if I’d seen it on the peg I’m not sure it would have made it into the fitting room with me but just goes to show how wrong you can be!

I’ve styled it with a very classic combo of skinny jeans and a grey cable knit cashmere jumper. Not the most dynamic, I’ll be the first to admit but a classic all the same.

I love the way this coat can take the outfit from dull and boring to fun and adventurous. Shop Formula have styled it here with the same super skinnies and killers heels – another very versatile coat. Tick.

This is a super easy coat that’s perfect for the school run or thrown over a dress and a pair of opaques.

The leaves are starting to change, the days are shorter and there was a distinct chill in the air this morning. Autumn is on. it’s. way. And I for one, am really pleased. Time to put away those summer tees and sandals and start thinking fine knits, ankle boots and coats.

This week I am delighted to be featuring a Winter Coat collaboration with Shop Formula. Shop Formula are an online boutique known for their great mix of established brands and emerging labels. I was initially drawn to the online store because of it’s classic, wearable fashion as well as trend-led pieces – the perfect combo.

Today is the first in a series of three posts this week where I have styled three coats picked by Shop Formula and all available to buy online.

The only way that I was going to style these coats was exactly how I would wear them. The variation in my lifestyle of doing the school run and my blogging (and now shop) work means that I can’t afford to be precious about my clothes but I also want to look smart – it’s also a must to be comfy and warm. I live in jeans and jumpers in the autumn and winter, so they had to work within all these parameters.

I was a little concerned at first about the cropped sleeves but I love the way the colour pop comes through.

Not that I needed it for warmth on the day that we shot these photos but you could feel how cosy it was and despite the 20degree weather I didn’t want to take it off. That was the warm and cosy box ticked. It was perfect with these jeans too. Winner.

When the invitation to celebrate the opening of the new Jimmy Choo Townhouse arrived, I must admit I had a quick look around to see if it was really me the invitation was meant for. An invitation to London Fashion Week to see one of the world’s most prestigious, luxury brands, Jimmy Choo seemed almost too good to be true. And to top it off it was on my birthday.

After one of the most exhausting weeks I can remember, most of which was spent under a roller painting ceilings and sanding down doors, I had never felt so unglamorous. A touch of the London sparkle was exactly what was in order.

One extreme to another…

The morning of my birthday was spent travelling the countryside picking up a second-hand fridge and seeing that the carpenter had arrived at the shop to hang the new door. A quick tidy up of the shop – removing dust sheets and clearing out the decorating materials, I made it home with about half an hour to spare.

Feeling so underprepared seemed to work though. I hadn’t contemplated what I was going to wear so with just a few minutes to think about it I pulled together my black coated skinnies (possibly one of the best buys ever), a plain white tee and my Anya Hindmarch metallic cross body bag. Threw my hair in a messy bun (no time for a blow dry) and slapped on some Lady Danger lipstick by Mac (the best birthday present!) and I was ready to go. Amazing how some bright lips can transform an outfit in one fell swoop.

Taking it to the next level…

As if I wasn’t feeling lucky enough to be going to London Fashion Week, to top it off I had a car courtesy of Addison Lee cabs collect me from the station and take me to my destination on New Bond Street. And this was it!

Any last minute outfit and make up checks taken care of! The last time I was in London I was lucky to enough to have a car provided too and I can’t say how brilliant the service is. Texts to let you know how long they are going to be, the driver’s name and the registration of the car collecting you. A professional driver – all of whom have been really friendly. The perfect pick up.

The Choo Townhouse…

The New Bond Street Jimmy Choo store has been expanded and renovated to reveal the most gorgeous, luxurious store you can imagine. It’s gorgeous and sumptuous but comfortable and intimate. At the centre of the building is a stunning marble staircase that winds through the building connecting the three floors.

I was in awe. The building was beautiful, the shoes were stunning and I was surrounded by some of my blogging idols. At this point I wasn’t quite sure where to put myself!

I soon found the champagne, shoe shaped biscuits and booked myself in for a manicure.

I took a tour round the store, chatted with blogging companions and closely examined each and every fabulous pair of shoes from the Choo 24:7 collection on the lower ground floor, to the newly launched CHOO.08 on the first floor, that has it’s own dedicated room. The room is slightly darker to give a more edgy feel to reflect the urban mood of this collection. There’s also a VIP that focusses on bridal, evening and red carpet styles on the first floor.

Downstairs there is a dedicated room to the recently launched Made to Order service – choose from the signature styles then from the myriad of different fabrics and colours. Where would you start?

To celebrate the new store, the Jimmy Choo Creative Director, Sandra Choi has designed a limited edition Candy bag. The acrylic clutch has been printed with an image of quintessentially British red phone box to reinforce the brand’s London roots. And it’s gorgeous.

After a gorgeous Nars manicure I said my thank yous and farewells and made my way round the corner to Sketch for a birthday cocktail. A perfect Birthday – thank you Jimmy Choo and thank you London.

This week it’s been back to the manual labour of setting up shop but the exciting news is that we’re looking at opening next week! You can follow what we’re up to on Twitter and Instagram.